Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Martina Navratilova

Public opinion and media debates around Martina Navratilova—discover key moments of controversy.

Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American former professional tennis player, achieved remarkable success, holding the world No. 1 singles ranking for 332 weeks and No. 1 in doubles for a record 237 weeks. She boasts an Open Era record of 59 major titles: 18 in singles, 31 in women's doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles. Her nine Wimbledon singles titles are an all-time record. Navratilova, along with rival Chris Evert, dominated women's tennis during the 1980s.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

July 30, 1981: Coming Out as Bisexual

On July 30, 1981, the New York Daily News published an article where Navratilova came out as bisexual, revealing her relationship with Rita Mae Brown. She had previously asked the reporter to delay publication.

1991: Split with Judy Nelson

In 1991, Navratilova's split with Judy Nelson resulted in a televised palimony lawsuit, which was settled out of court.

2007: Criticism of U.S. Under President Bush

In 2007, Navratilova was quoted as expressing shame about the U.S. under President George W. Bush, contrasting it with the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.

February 2019: Removed from Athlete Ally Advisory Board

Following an article on transgender women in sports that Navratilova wrote for The Times in February 2019, Athlete Ally, an LGBTQ athlete advocacy group, removed Navratilova from their advisory board due to her transphobic comments.

March 2019: Apology for "cheating" term

In March 2019, Martina Navratilova apologized for using the term "cheating" when discussing transgender athletes competing in women's sports, advocating for a science-based debate.

April 2019: Equality Act Op-Ed

In April 2019, Martina Navratilova wrote an article for The Washington Post, expressing her opinion that the Equality Act would make it unlawful to differentiate between girls and women in sports based on sex.

June 2019: The Trans Women Athlete Dispute with Martina Navratilova

In June 2019, the BBC broadcasted "The Trans Women Athlete Dispute with Martina Navratilova," where she interviewed athletes and researchers, presenting different sides of the debate on whether trans women have an advantage in elite sports.

Loading Video...

August 2020: Letter to NCAA

In August 2020, Martina Navratilova, along with over 300 other women, signed a letter to the National Collegiate Athletic Association supporting an Idaho law that bans trans women student-athletes from participating in women's sports.

2021: Women's Sports Policy Working Group Leadership

In 2021, Martina Navratilova became a leader of the Women's Sports Policy Working Group, which was formed in response to President Joe Biden's Executive Order 13988, with the goal of protecting women in competitive sports while accommodating trans athletes.

April 2023: Boycott of Nike

In April 2023, Martina Navratilova supported a boycott of Nike due to its corporate sponsorship with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman, for advertising a sports bra.

October 2023: Criticism of Deb Haaland Interview

In October 2023, Martina Navratilova criticized US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland's interview of environmentalist drag queen Pattie Gonia outside New York's Stonewall National Monument, calling the performer a "pathetic parody of women."

2024: Condemnation of Imane Khelif's Olympic Participation

In 2024, Martina Navratilova has repeatedly condemned the International Olympic Committee for allowing Imane Khelif to box in the 2024 Summer Olympics, based on her belief that Khelif is not female.